The Wounds of Abuse: Can We Do More?

Click here to download for print distribution.

The Wounds of Abuse: Can We Do More? Yes, we can! Today, as we focus on the annual initiative of the Women’s Ministries Department, enditnow, we urge you to do more to help prevent and heal the wounds of abuse among women, men, the elderly, adolescents, and children throughout the Atlantic Caribbean Union. This year’s enditnow observance comes at a time when there are concerns about the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family relationships.

It has been reported that there has been an increase in family relationship issues during this unprecedented time, resulting in divorce in some instances (USA Today, June 02, 2020).  As children of God, we are not immune to these subtle and overt attacks upon the family. At the same time, we have a responsibility to prevent and, where necessary, help those experiencing abuse.

Abuse is defined as treating another in a cruel or violent manner.  For many, one is considered abused only when there are visual signs of physical harm with obvious scars that may heal.  However, there is the psychological trauma of emotional and verbal abuse that one may not readily see, and which may take years to heal. Words can hurt.  A person can experience trauma from harsh and unkind words, destructive criticism, belittlement, intimidation, name calling, and ignoring.  These are just some of the ways used to devastate a person’s self-worth, engendering shame and low self-esteem. 

How can we help?
As noted, we as believers have a part to play in doing all that we can to prevent abuse and help those abused in all sectors of society.  How can we help? What can we do? In Ephesians 4:29, the Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.” By applying this text, we can seek to build up instead of tearing down a person. We can use appropriate, encouraging, and positive words to affirm others. Quite frankly, these acts result only from a life committed fully to God. Followers of Christ could not in good conscience abuse.

Additionally, you can get help or provide help for abusers and the abused, pursuing relief and healing as implied by James 1:27: “. . . look after orphans and widows in their distress.” We must not be reluctant to talk about the problem or pretend that it does not exist in the church. It does, but help ought also to be found in the church.  We are called to “heal the broken hearted” and “to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18) as practiced by Jesus.   His life was characterized by this type of ministry. For example, in Luke 13, we read how Jesus put an end to the suffering and pain of the woman who was bent over.  And we, too, are called to put an end to the suffering and pain of the abused.

Through Christ, we can end it and must endeavor to enditnow!

--Mrs. Denise Johnson, Women’s Ministries Director, Atlantic Caribbean Union of Seventh-day Adventists


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 
August 2020
22 – Abuse Prevention Day (enditNow Day)

SEPTEMBER 2020

5 – 26 Youth Evangelistic Campaigns
6 Launch of CHAM 25th Anniversary
Art Competition
13 – 19 Health Week
19 Pathfinder Day
26 Sabbath School Guest Day
 Launch of Ingathering


ADVENTIST BOOK & NUTRITION CENTER
Adjusted Store Hours
The Adventist Book Center will be open: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00a.m – 3:00p.m. Fridays - 9:00a.m – 2:00p.m. If you would like to get our whatsapp updates on closures or specials, please message 242-341-2429 to be added.

 --Mr. Noel Browne


BIBLE CLASS
The South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists continues its Bible Class on Sunday August 23, 2020 featuring COVID19: Church Vs State, Who Should We Obey? with Pastor Lynden Williams. The session will begin at 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. For further information please contact Pastor Lynden Williams via email at lwilliams@sbcadventist.org.bs

-- Pastor Lynden Williams, Bible Studies & Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator


CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Celebrating 25th Anniversary
As we go throughout the remainder of this year, we celebrate with the World Church 25 years of Children’s Ministries. Our children are special and should be treated as such. Today we observe enditnow Day all around the world. Unfortunately, it has been noted that during the lockdown months the number of cases of child abuse have been very significant. In May 2020, the Department of Social Services’ reported alarming incidents of abuse against children, as it relates to Neglect, 613 cases, Sexual abuse, 340 cases and Physical abuse, 329 cases; all cases being active. Among the other types of abuse was Verbal & Emotional Abuse, Incest, Abandonment, etc. How can you assist in lowering the incidences of abuse against children? Please join us by saying ‘No!’ to Violence Against Children & others. Today, bring awareness by using your social media platforms to post assertive comments against abuse and share the hotline number for persons to get help. Include the hashtag #sbcenditnow2020

  Report Abuse. Call the Social Services hotline at 422-2763.

– Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Children & Adolescent Ministries Director


HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Health Tip: The Importance of Sunlight & Exercise During Curfew & Lockdown
The sun provides life-giving properties and many health benefits not just for plants but for people as well, including reducing heart disease, lowering blood pressure, preventing diabetes, reducing the risk of some cancers, promoting bone growth as well as strengthening the immune system. Exercise is also an important part of healthy living and healthy aging. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least 5 days a week is recommended. It is important to stay active in order to maintain strength, balance, endurance and flexibility; as well as strengthening the immune system and maintaining fitness. So find creative ways to get in the recommended amounts, even if broken up in intervals. Exercising at home, with appropriate exercises and guidance, is generally safe and healthy for most people. Therefore, you are encouraged to get adequate sunlight and maintain a regular exercise program even during curfew and lockdowns because it is vital to your health.

--Mrs. Jorgett Bain, Assistant Leader, Philadelphia Church

Mental Health Hotline
If you are experiencing stress during this pandemic, please call The Crisis Centre for help at (242)-328-0922  (242)-565-9633

--Mrs. Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Director


SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Special Training Continues – August 23, 30 & September 6, 2020
All Sabbath School officers and teachers are asked to attend a very special training that will be conducted via zoom for the next four (4) Sunday's at 10:00 in the morning. Pastor Samuel Telemaque & Sis. Jennifer Kerr along with Sabbath School directors from Atlantic Caribbean Union will lead in the training. Looking forward to your support.

--Pastor Leonardo Rahming, Sabbath School Director


WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Please note that due to this COVID-19 pandemic, our regular submission format has changed.

This week and every week thereafter, we will stay connected thorough our “Sisters for Sisters” words of empowerment and inspiration, coming from women across our Conference. The submission this week is by Sis. Sherry O. Beneby, Centreville Church.

"The Great Big Trade In."
"In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judge will award to me on that day; and not only to me but also to all who loved His appearing!" 2 Timothy 4:8.

In the last several months of lockdown due to a Covid-19 a thought came to mind as I was working from home. What have I traded? Yes, what have I traded?

I traded the hustle and bustle of traffic for a parked car full of gas and nowhere to go but home.

I traded those corporate suits and high heels for t-shirts, tights, flip flops and even bare feet.

I traded beautiful hairdos for head cloths, scarves and hats.

I traded fast food for home cooked meals.

I traded "conversations on the go" to in depth heart to heart talks and reconnection with loved ones on a most intimate level.

I traded being so busy to eat healthy and exercise to devising and implementing a plan of action for better self-care.

I traded marveling at others gardens to starting one of my own honing my "green thumb" for sure.

I traded idle talk with more Christ centered conversation with friends and family and encouraging them along the way.

But more importantly, I have traded quick and disconnected devotional time with God to more meaningful in depth study and prayer time and reconnecting with Him on a more personal and intimate level. Also, gaining new insights and sharing with family and friends. For you see this is what matters most.

So, sisters what have you traded today?

Have you sought to get closer to those whom you love? Have you sought to build a better relationship with God by getting closer to Him?

Whatever you have traded today let us use this time of "LOCKDOWN" and really make it count by spending time with God our Heavenly Father through study and prayer. Sharing our faith with others. Giving to those in need and doing whatever it takes to hasten His coming.  

 It is my hope and prayer that one day very soon we will all "Trade In" the stresses of this life for "a beautiful crown of righteousness which the Lord Himself has laid up for the righteous and will award His faithful".
Until then let us prove faithful as we wait on that "Great Big Trade In Day"!
I can't wait! Can you?

Upcoming Event
“Pandemic Panic births Prayer and Praise”. Stay tuned for more details on this Women’s Ministries event.

Pause and Pray Wednesday
Don’t forget our weekly Pause and Pray appointment on Wednesdays at noon.

Donation Request: Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals
Kindly donate to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year.

--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director


Please Email Weekly Announcements
To: sbclogos@gmail.com
Or logos@sbcadventist.org.bs
By Tuesday at 3:00p.m.
CALL 341-4021

SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
August 29, 2020 - 7:30p.m.

Happy Sabbath!